Saleen S5S Raptor

Famed US vehicle tuner and manufacturer has released a new concept called the Saleen S5S Raptor. The vehicle is powered by a hand built 5.0 V8 supercharged 650 hp engine. The car is likely to go into production within 2 years with a price of approx $185,000 This car is a good look and if it preforms as well as it looks it will certainly be a US built vehicle that will give Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini a good run for their money.

Unleash the beast.

BMW Gran Turismo

BMW has confirmed that the CS Concept is a design study outlining the company’s new flagship Gran Turismo model. The car will fit above the 7-Series when it hits markets in 2011, and will compete with other 4 dr coupes including the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide,
Mercedes-Benz CLS etc

Gerhard Richter, a member of the management team of the BMW Motorsport, will be assigned project leader on the upcoming Gran Turismo, which means that this is going to be a fast beast.

Various reports say that engine choices will range from a V8 all the way up to a V12. A new report from a German magazine says that the BMW Gran Turismo will get a new V10 twin-turbo charged, direct fuel injection engine that is capable of producing up to 625-hp, which is just a little more than the Mercedes Benz S65 AMG. The report also says an entry level V8 twin-turbo will also be offered producing 450-hp.

What will BMW come up with next?

Grand Prix manager is back

Log in and sign up. See if you can beat me this year....

Kimi is 2007 F1 World Champion

Congratulations to Kimi Raikkonen from Ferrari who had luck on his side today when he came from behind to clinch the 2007 F1 World Drivers Championship. Well deserved, and it confirms it to me that Kimi is the best F1 driver out there. Lewis Hamilton let it slip by making a few silly mistakes, and Ferrari simply out preformed McLaren today. Alonso came in 3rd behind Massa.

So
Kimi is Champ with 110 points followed by
Lewis Hamilton with 109 point, then
Fernando Alonso with 109 points.What a great year in F1. Now we have to wait to March next year for the beginning of the 2008 Championship.

McLaren fined and wiped of constructor points for 2007.

Formula 1 team McLaren Mercedes has been stripped of all of their constructors points and fined $100 Million US less their loss of income from the FOM for 2007. This will allow drivers Lewis Hamilton and world Champ Fernando Alonso to continue and race for the drivers championship.

This is all because of the Stepneygate saga involving possibly using Ferrari information to modify the McLaren cars. This will be a blow for the team, but I guess they are lucky to not be totally banned. The fine was the largest in motor sport history.

McLaren will need to have their 2008 cars scrutinized by the FIA before the start of the race season next year to make sure no Ferrari type parts or intelligence has been used.
Ferrari are effectively now the 2007 Formula 1 constructor champions.

2008 Audi RS6 "610hp?"

It has recently been reported that leaked vehicle chassis codes for the new Audi RS6 had the output from its twin turbo V10 engine at 571hp, or 426kW, which certainly will give the M5 and M6 a run for their money. Recent information from a whistle blower at Audi, however, has put this figure in possible doubt. The supposed reliable source claims that the 571hp will only be the specified figure Audi will market the car with. True output will be upwards of 600hp, with 610hp (455kW) pegged as the most likely figure. BMW claim that the 335i has 300hp, when in fact it is much closer to 360hp. It is entirely likely that Audi is taking no chances with the new RS6 and even BMW’s excellent 500hp V10 motor will struggle to compete with this kind of power output.

If this is the case, then the 08 Audi RS6 will churn out more horse power than the BMW M6 and M5, the CL65 AMG +/-, The Ferrari F430 and the legendary Porsche Turbo.

I really love horse power wars. Bring it on Audi, bring it on.

BMW 135i Coupe

This is going to be one fact little car. It is the coupe version on the already on the road hatch back and it is powered by a 300hp (some say 360hp) twin turbo inline 6 cylinder engine producing 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1400 rpm. This little rocket will propell itself from 0-100 kph (62mph) in 5.3 seconds according to BMW and will speed on to a top electronically limited speed of 155 mph or 250kph. It even has BMW's traditional Hofmeister kink.

The car is bing produced as a 2008 model and is expected in showrooms early in the new year. It is certainly going to bring back some memories for the 2002 Turbo owners out there.

Another cool car from BMW.

Formula one season update

What a phenomenal F1 season it has been so far up to the British Grand Prix in Silverstone England today.

Newcomer and rookie Lewis Hamilton with McLaren has been on all of the podiums (9) so far this year and is leading the championship in points with 70. He has won races and is re writing the record book. Ron Dennis made a wise decision in putting him in a McLaren this year.

This is what it looks like in the 2007 drivers championship so far:

01	Lewis Hamilton	70
02	Fernando Alonso	58
03	Kimi Räikkönen	52
04	Felipe Massa	51
05	Nick Heidfeld	33
06	Robert Kubica	22

It is impressive to see that BMW is 3rd in the championship points. They have some more work to do to be challenging the podium, but surely and steadily they are doing it. I'd think that by the end of the year they will be nipping at the heals of Ferrari and McLaren.

The race in Silverstone today was great. Lewis Hamilton was on pole slightly edging out Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari in qualifying. Felipe Massa was unable to keep his Ferrari running on the formation lap and was forced to start from LAST for the race finishing 5th behind Robert Kubica of Poland in the Sauber BMW who finished 4th.
Fernando Alonso looked like he was in with a shot for the win after the first pit stops, but the Ferrari crew and Kimi's spectacular driving knocked that on the head with Kimi winning, Fernando Alonso the current world champion of McLaren 2nd and England new super star Lewis Hamilton finishing the race in 3rd position.

I have to give it to Ferrari for this race. Kimi won and Felipe came 5th. I would expect that it would have been a Ferrari 1-2 if Felipe had of not had to have started from last place.

I still think Kimi is the best driver on the grid, so I am expecting the last half of the 2007 F1 season to be even better than the first. Will Lewis continue his podium streak? Will Kimi who has won the most races this year continue his pace? Will Fernando get upset by being overtaken by Lewis and switch teams next year? We will have to wait and see.

Bmw CS Concept

Rob Good: This vehicle is said to be based on the next generation 7 series, so you can imagine how long it will be. It is also very wide at over 79 inches. The new 7 is expected to have up to 700 HP and the CS concept is expected to have up to 600 rubber melting hp to propel the vehicle from 0-60 in the 4 second range.

I think the CS looks a little like the Dodge Charger in the front which is different. I am not to keen on the large holes in the rear bumper for the exhaust outlets though. Good to see BMW coming up with new vehicles.... Roll em out.

What do you think?

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Rob Good: With the introduction of the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR model at the New York auto show, Ford and Shelby will have unveiled four Mustang variations in a little over one year. Bring it on I say.

The GT500KR will be easily the most powerful of a bunch that also includes the 500-horsepower GT500 and the 319-hp Shelby GT, as well as the limited-edition Shelby GT-H produced for use in Hertz rental fleets. Tried to reserve one for a trip I am taking to Hawaii in June, but they are already reserved for that time....

The GT500KR revives a name last used 40 years ago. It will be powered by a version of the standard GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that makes about 40 hp more. That would bring the total to 540 hp, although Ford is not yet ready to commit to that number officially. Lets make it 100 more HP to give the Viper a run for the money.

Whatever the specific increase turns out to be, it comes from the Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, which includes a cold-air intake and a louder low-restriction exhaust. The KR should also feel a bit faster thanks to recalibrated ignition timing and electronic throttle settings, which promise quicker throttle response which is just what is needed.

The engine will be bolted to the same Tremec six-speed manual transmission as used for the regular GT500, although the KR version gets a shift linkage with 25 percent shorter throws and a big, white ball on the shift lever. The KR also gets a boost in acceleration from a shorter, 3.73:1 final-drive ratio (in place of GT500's final-drive ratio of 3.31:1).

More aggressive dampers and springs along with stiffer anti-roll bars and a strut-tower brace, all unique to the KR, should help provide for entertaining handling and a pretty hard-core ride. The production version will come with 18-inch wheels and not the shiny 20-inchers of the show car pictured here. Although the smaller wheels likely will have "Shelby" engraved on the rim, just as these show-car wheels do.

The shape of the bulging hood is a deliberate retro touch, with two long, narrow air intakes up front, just like the original '68 model. It's a decidedly modern interpretation, though. It's constructed of carbon composite (Ford expects that you'll be able to see the weave texture through the paint on production versions), and has two stainless-steel hood latches, where pins would have gone on a '68 GT500KR.

Only 1,000 KRs will be built (with final fitting done at Shelby's facility in Las Vegas), so collectors will surely be lining up, as well as ponying up a considerable amount of money. The KR should list for about $50,000, although we'd be shocked if you could get one for less than $70,000. Unlike the '68 model, no convertible version will be available.

One could also choose to simply build a KR for oneself. All of the mechanical upgrade parts will be available from Ford Racing or Shelby at the same time as the genuine KRs go on sale. The only piece currently not planned to be sold separately is the carbon hood, but with some imagination someone resourceful could probably get their hands on one.

This car looks good and is going to be one fast Stang.... I love the modern muscle car wars that are going on at the moment.... I will admit that even though it is a Ford, I want one.

Mercedes Benz AMG CLK63 Black series

Rob Good: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series which has been unvieled at the New York motor show is based on the Official F1™ Safety Car. This is the road version of the high performance AMG vehicle that has been the Formula One safety since 2006. The coupe, optimized for the racing circuit, is powered by an in house AMG 6.3-liter V8 with its performance boosted to 373 kW/507 hp and 630 Newton meters of torque. A plus handling is assured by the sophisticated AMG threaded suspension with 19-inch AMG forged wheels, new steering and the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake system with composite disks. When you look at it, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series clearly shows its close similarities the Official F1™ Safety Car: its imposing front apron with large cooling intakes, flared wheel arches, diffusor-type rear apron and carbon-fiber airflow breakaway edge, all demonstrate the car’s sporting pedigree.

The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series output has been upgraded by 19 kW/26 hp over the standard CLK63 to 373 kW/507 hp, and the Black Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model. The top speed (electronically limited) is 300 km/h. Fun fun.

Wonder if Mr Giltrap will be taking delivery of one?

Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible

Rob Good: The long-awaited Phantom Drophead Coupé has been released. This Rolls-Royce’s first such car since the Corniche of 2002 and was formally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.

It’s no surprise that the Drophead Coupé is a spectacular feat of engineering and design. Clearly a development of the current Phantom, the new two-door, four-seat convertible nevertheless uses 1300 newly-developed parts, including a number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental model shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004. Immediately noticeable are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, plus the teak decking for the rear hood cover.

Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car and add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seat, as well as to the overall aesthetics. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the 1960s. They are also important in aiding the overall stiffness of the body, as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar.

Power is supplied by the same 6.75-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the current Phantom, giving a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Production of the new car will start in the summer of 2007, hand-built alongside the Phantom at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ manufacturing plant at Goodwood.

The car is a beauty. I particularly like the color they choose in these photos. I am guessing that the new Rolls Royce will be close to $400,000 when they arrive. Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Miami are tipped to be the best markets in the US for this car.....
Now all they need is a turbo charger or two and close to 600 HP. :-)

Fisker Artega GT

Rob Good: This is the new Artega GT Coupe which has been showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. It is equipped with a VW-derived 3.6L V6 and power will be about 300 hp. That isn't very much HP, but this Fisker isn't very big. It is 13 feet long and 6 feet wide, the Artega is about the same size as a Mazda MX-5 Miata and at less than four feet tall it is about the same height as a Lamborghini Gallardo. Top speed of the Artega GT Coupe is estimated at 165 mph which is up there.

Henrik Fisker helped design many of the current Aston Martins on the road today which makes every future vehicle he pens worth mentioning. The Fisker Tramonto and Latigo CS are great looking vehicles, but their basic shape and stance were borrowed from the Mercedes Benz SL and the BMW 6 series. The Artega GT Coupe is definitely a departure from what Fisker has done in the past, but it just isn't ground-breaking. Production is expected to reach 500 units per year and the price tag should be around $100,000.

Looking good...

www.f1grandprixmanager.com

Rob Good: If you are into F1 and want to try your hand as a F1 boss, then join up now. I have played this game for the last 3 years and it is a lot of fun.

Tesla Roadster 2007

Rob Good: The electric-powered Tesla Roadster looks like a Lotus, boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, does 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds, doesn't emit any emissions (unless you spin the wheels and burn rubber) and is sold out for 2007. You can put your name on the 2008 waiting list for $50,000US. The base price is $92,000US, but fully loaded the car will be just over $100k.

Using a unique two-speed electrically actuated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.

The Roadster's Energy Storage System (ESS) provides power to the entire vehicle, including the motor. Its durable, tamper-resistant enclosure includes: 6,831 lithium-ion cells, a network of microprocessors for maintaining charge balance and battery temperature, a cooling system, and an independent safety system designed to disconnect power outside the enclosure under a variety of detectable safety situations.

The Tesla Roadster comes complete with its Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), a home-based charging system, which features an automatic safety disconnect system and can charge the Tesla Roadster in approximately 3.5 hours. An optional mobile charging kit is also available.

The Tesla Roadster has a range of up to 250 miles (EPA Highway) on a single charge, roughly triple the range of previous mass-produced electric vehicles.

I think this car is fantastic, so does the Governor of California. When the company gets the costs down and the prices become more reasonable they won't have trouble selling them in the USA, provided the quality is good and it actually preforms close to what the manufacturer has been saying. I might even consider one myself.

Now if Rodney Hide MP for Epsom and Leader of ACT Party of NZ really likes the publicity he gets from the Smart car he has, imagine what he'd get in a car like this? Best they make it in right hand drive too.......

2008 Dodge Viper with 600HP

Rob Good: The 2008 Dodge Viper has gained an extra 90hp over the 2006 model thanks to a nicely revised V10 engine.

The V10 aluminum engine block was revised for a 1 millimeter larger bore, raising the displacement to 8.4 liters from 8.3 liters. This car is not going to be the most economical out there, but hey it has 600hp. Larger valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT)helps increase the output. It has new cylinder heads as well, equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers.

The snake gets a new transmission which is the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual, known as the TR6060.

According to Damiler Chrysler, 0-60 mph comes in under 4 seconds and 0-100-0 mph shoots through in just over 12 seconds (braking in under 100 feet). Other changes include a new hood with a larger hood scoop for air induction and distinctive hood louvers.

Good thing that Chevrolet is bringing out the super Corvette soon, or Dodge will be getting all the limelight.

Burn some rubber.

Mercedes Benz Ocean Drive convertible.

Rob Good: At the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a design trendsetter with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible.

The Concept Ocean Drive is an interesting look. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable.

The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "topless" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.

Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.

The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600 on account of this model's long wheelbase. It even has neck warming technology so you can keep warm with the top lowered on a cold day.

Interesting concept Mercedes Benz.

LA Auto show December 1st 2006

Today I went to the 2007 LA auto show with fellow vehicle enthusiast G.D Perkins. This is the first time that the LA auto show is being held in December rather than January, as it always used to clash with the Detroit auto show....

I took plenty of photo's and here is a few of the better vehicles we saw today...


The beautiful Ferrari 599


Bugatti Veyron


Bently Continental GTC


Lamborghini Gallardo with it's top off....


The 425HP Dodge Magnum SRT


2008/09 Dodge Challenger.... Nice car...


Audi R8.... This car is going to sell...



The new VW Tiguan


Chevrolet Camaro 2008/09



BMW Hydrodgen 7 series......


2007 BMW X5


Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby


Mercedes Benz CL63


Mercedes Benz S63


2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.... What a great car.


Tesla Roadster 2008.... fully electric 0-60 in 4 seconds.

David Spade was there too looking at the nice cars...He must be a bit of a car freak as the show only opened half an hour before we all got in.

My pick for convertible: Lamborghini Gallardo
Stationwagon : Dodge Magnum SRT-8
Sedan Large : Merceded S63 / Bentley Continental
Sedan Medium : BMW M5 / Mercedes E63
Sedan Small : BMW 335i / Audi RS4
Concept : Dodge Challenger
Exotic : Bugatti Veyron

All an all a great day. Getting in early beat the crowds and if you get the chance, go to the 2007 LA Auto show....

BMW 335i twin turbo

I took the liberty of driving the new twin turbo E92 coupe today at Santa Monica BMW. I must say I was very impressed. It seems that BMW may well have under-rated the hp output of 300HP. Some suggest that the engine puts out closer to 360hp with close to 300hp at the wheels.

It is roomier than the previous model and BMW have done very well with the automatic gearbox. It has paddle shifters on the steering wheel a la SMG, but does not have the akwardness that was sometime evident with the manual SMG version. The gears changed as if it was SMG and this car MOVES.

The sound the engine puts out is like music to the ears, and on top of it, it is well constructed with full service and warranty plans.

There is a rumor out there that the 335i 4 door which is to be released soon is capable in 6 speed manual form of completing 0-60 in 4.8 seconds which is the same as the previous generation M5 and the current M3.

BMW must have something up their sleeve for the next M3 due out next year, as I cant imagine them wanting a sub $50,000 4 door sedan keeping up the top of line 3. M may well be taking a different route by making the new M3 more of a lightened track racing beast and allowing the 335i to be the luxury end of the scale. Having said that that will not work too well in the USA, so I am expecting a mid to low 4 second time to 60mph for the next M3.

If you have not driven the 335i and you are contemplating a new BMW do it.

BMW never fails to impress me.

Michael Schumacher to retire, Kimi to replace him.

7 times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will retire from Ferrari and F1 at the end of this season. He is currently 2 points behind reigning champion Fernando Alonso and is targeting an 8th world championship before he steps out of the red car for good at the end of the season.

Kimi Raikkonen currently of McLaren Mercedes has been confirmed with the Ferrari team for 2007, 2008 an 2009.

Fellippe Massa has been confirmed for 2007 and 2008.

Next race is in China in 3 weeks time.

Peter Brock 05 RIP

It is sad to see that my favorite Australian motor racer Peter Brock has passed on after a vehicle accident. Brock was participating in a rally in Western Australia when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.

I always enjoyed watching Brock kick ass in the 05 Holden's at Bathurst.

Peter Brock's adoption of the number 05 was to highlight the Victorian Governments 05 blood alcohol limit to the public. So from 1975, Brock maintained 05 as his car number even when as Australian Touring Car Champion, he was entitled to use the number one.

He raced Fords for a short period and also raced Volvo, but he will best be remembered as the King of Mount Panarama in the 05 Holden's.

One word.... Bugger.

The guy was truly a legend.

BMW Z10 supercar

BMW'’s last supercar was the M1 back in 1979. That car was the first car produced by BMW Motorsport, which makes the M badged cars like M3, M5 and M6. The BMW M1 had a 3.5 litre inline 6 24 valve engine that made 277hp at 6500rpm and 324Nm of torque at 5000rpm. Tuned versions could make up to 850hp. This engine also powered the first generation M5 and M6 vehicles.

Now with it's involvement with F1, BMW naturally would like to do what the other car manufacturers in F1 are doing, and make a Supercar. Toyota has it'’s Lexus LF-A and Honda has it's new NSX coming out soon, not to mention Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes. BMW'’s new Supercar is expected to be called the Z10. BMW has set development targets for the Z10 to be a rear/mid-engine Supercar powered by a V10. The V10 would be likely a tuned up version of the advanced M5 V10 5 litre engine that won the 2005 Engine of the Year award. Targeted performance figures are 550hp and a curb weight of 1200kg which gives the car a power to weight ratio of 458bhp per ton. The V10 is likely to make 550hp in the M6CSL which may or may not be made shortly, so expect even better performance from the Z10.

The Z10 looks very Ferrari esk in this photo. I would go as far as saying that the Z10 is a spectacular looking automobile, and if built it will certainly have fantastic build quality, performance and reliability.

BMW what are you waiting for?